TIPS. 



system lojjcthcr, no less than fur the satisfaction of the anylers wlio 

 pursue tlie s)'stem and feel hurt !>}■ the entieisni, " it is necessary (as 

 the}- put it), to offer an explanation in the new book of yours, at once 

 lucid, fully substantiated, and of a kind calculated to leave absolute 

 conviction upon the points affecting the issue." 



Indeed, it is only natural for them to decline to allow the lessons 

 of a lifetime, accepted with their warmest approval and full 

 concurrence at the riverside, to be exposed to public ridicule I)}' the 

 airy criticism: of the wielder of a facile pen. 



If, however, the explanation seems to savour loo much (jf personal 

 reference, or even to exhibit traces of vanity, the present writer is 

 very sorry. But considering the importance of the system and the 

 interests involved on all sides, what is he to do ? 



Altogether apart from the logic of facts, he has Inmself personally 

 proved the value of the system by constant experiment. The result 

 has been— since the truth must be told — that during three recent 

 outings his own catches have so largely exceeded those of the whole 

 party working on the same waters, that he is driven to the conclusion 

 that his own methods must be superior to theirs. 



What else, he asks with that repugnance which anglers will feel 

 to be natural, is the meaning of such records as the following? 



Thirty-two salmon out of thirty-four, five Rods. 



Sixty-three salmon out of seventy-one, seven Rods. 



Ninety-one salmon out of ninety-nine, two Gillies and six Rods. 



The other fishermen, whose bags appear so small in these quoted 

 records in comparison with his own, were equally good sportsmen. 

 They used nothing but a fly, and were equally skilled wielders of the 

 rod as far as Overhand casting is concerned. 



